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India courts diaspora researchers to stem brain drain
PMRC is offering fellowships, research grants and institutional support to attract Indian-origin scientists, researchers and innovators from around the world.
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Ankita Baidya - Mon, 15, Jun 2026
- 05:32 EDT
- 27
The PM Research Chair Scheme aims to connect accomplished Indian-origin researchers abroad with India's leading universities and research institutions / Unsplash
India has opened applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026, a major initiative aimed at bringing accomplished Indian-origin scientists, researchers, technologists and innovators from across the globe into the country's growing research and higher education ecosystem.
Launched by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, the programme seeks to strengthen India's research capabilities by connecting global Indian talent with premier universities, national laboratories and research institutions.
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The scheme is expected to be of particular interest to the Indian diaspora, including Indian nationals working overseas, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) with distinguished records in research, innovation and technology.
Under the initiative, fellows will be appointed across three categories: Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows and Research Chairs, during a five-year period running from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
The programme focuses on 14 strategic sectors considered critical to India's future growth. These include artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, advanced materials, biotechnology, healthcare and medtech, climate and energy, cybersecurity, agriculture and food technologies, space, defence, advanced communications and manufacturing technologies.
Selected researchers will receive fellowship support, research funding, relocation assistance and access to advanced laboratory infrastructure. Depending on the category, annual fellowship support can range from approximately ₹15 lakh to ₹60 lakh, while research grants may reach up to ₹5 crore.
The Ministry of Education said the initiative is designed to encourage deeper international academic collaboration while accelerating innovation and research output in India.
Seven institutions have been designated as Lead Institutions under the programme: the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad and Indian Institute of Science.
Applications from prospective fellows and participating institutions opened on June 1 and will remain open until July 15, 2026.
The programme reflects India's broader effort to engage its global scientific diaspora and position itself as a leading innovation hub by attracting world-class expertise back into the country's research and development ecosystem.
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